After an injury-marred 2020 season, both Matt Chapman and A.J. Puk are making strides in making a strong comeback next season for the A's.
Puk faced a few misfortunes last season and was shut down quickly during spring training. He underwent left-shoulder surgery in September to repair a debridement of his labrum and rotator cuff.
The goal remained to have Puk as a starter to add to the rotation, and A’s general manager David Forst mirrored those sentiments on Wednesday when asked about an update on the left-handed pitcher.
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“Rehab has gone well and throwing on a normal timeline is definitely what we’re projecting for him,” Forst said. “If we start spring training on time, I think as with anyone coming off surgery, we’ll be cautious, but the expectation is not that A.J. is going to be behind anybody come spring training.”
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Chapman, meanwhile, ended his season early after having surgery to repair a strained right hip in mid-September.
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“Similarly, rehab is going well, he’s working out down in Southern California,” Forst said. “He feels great.”
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Losing Chapman on the field never is ideal, but the two-time Platinum Glove Award winner also was a steady clubhouse presence for Oakland. With the coronavirus protocols implemented by MLB, he wasn’t available to physically be there during his rehab.
The A's fans are hoping both Chapman and Puk are fully ready for spring training, and based on Forst's comments, they appear to be on the right track.